Adams was in her ready room standing near the window, she had just lost her first officer. Though she was happy that he finally got his own command and he definitely deserved it, she had worked with him for so long things were going to be strange without his guidance or his advice. He kept her grounded when things were not going the way she thought they should go, and always had a different way of thinking about things that made her rethink her orders or decisions on certain things. Though there were times where she stuck her ground, or when she had no choice in the matter as was with their last few missions due to the Omega Directive being in place. She had been lost in thought before she heard her computer go off, looking towards where her computer was located she raised an eyebrow wondering who it was.

Walking over to her desk she turned on her computer to see Fleet Captain Azras Dex on the other side of the screen. “Sir, what do I owe this pleasure?” She asked thinking it might be their next mission.

“I know you just lost your first officer but there is about to be more change,” Azras replied looking at the Adams who she could tell was worried and confused.

“What do you mean Captain?” Adams asked if things couldn’t get any worse.

“We have decided that we are reassigning you and your crew, the Vesta will be sent back to Earth’s spacedock for reassignment,” Azras replied though she held up her hand to stop Adams from speaking up as she was not finished. “You and your crew will all be moving over to the USS Saratoga an Odyssey-class starship that has just docked at Devron Fleet Yards after finishing her first refit,” Azras said as she could tell she was stunned and confused at the same time.

Adams looked at her, the Odyssey-class was a very large explorer. “How come and why a large ship like the Odyssey?” Adams finally asked after a few moments of silence.

“We feel it more suites what your mission parameters are, think of this as an upgrade. The Odyssey’s are a beautiful ship,” Azras replied as she tapped a few buttons sending over the file. “That file should really explain the rest,” Azras added looking at the Captain who was just trying to process everything. “I’ll be in contact with your next mission soon,” Azras replied as she was about to end the comm channel when Azras remembered something. “Oh, you will be seeing an influx of new crewmembers being assigned to the Saratoga as well over the next couple of days,” Azras replied.

“Aye Captain,” Adams said as the comm channel closed. Sitting there for a moment trying to process what she had just been told, “an Odyssey?” she asked herself looking towards the door of her ready room. After a few moments, she snapped back to reality and tapped her commbadge, “all senior staff report to conference room immediately.” Adams said as she ended the comm channel, she had then sent a shipwide notice to the rest of the crew informing them of the reassignment.

After a moment of collecting her thoughts, she got up from her chair and headed out onto the bridge and directly into the conference room. Sitting down she saw that her senior staff plus one had arrived, “Thank you all for coming so quickly.” Adams said as she looked at each of them who looked confused as to what was going on. “I am sure you’re wondering why I have called you here,” Adams said as they all just nodded in agreement without really saying anything.

“As you probably all ready aware that Commander Tajir Derohl was promoted to the rank of Captain and given his own command, the USS Aquarius a Resolute-class starship,” she said as the rest of them nodded as they all were happy to see him get the position. “I just received more news from Fleet Captain Azras Dex,” she added which caused everyone to look at each other before looking back at the Captain.

“What is going on?” Deza asked as she spoke up before anyone else did.

“We are being reassigned to the USS Saratoga, an Odyssey-class starship, the Vesta is being sent back to Earth for a refit and reassignment,” Adams replied as she shifted in her seat as everyone else was just as shocked as she was when she heard the news.

“Why an Odyssey?” Jheria asked though she wouldn’t mind the change as Vesta-class systems could be a pain as it needed constant work and monitoring with all the systems that were considered classified and with how fast the ship was, with the Odyssey though there would be another senior assistant chief to basically run the other engineering team on the saucer section.

“The Vesta-class is more geared towards long-range missions out of Federation space for long periods of time,” she replied taking a breath “our mission is one of humanitarian aid and diplomacy and the Odyssey-class fits that criteria,” Adams replied looking at everyone.

“That makes sense,” Jeesa spoke up.

“Would mean that we can do more than what we could have on the Vesta,” Chon’al added in agreement.

“There would be a lot more crew being assigned as well,” Adams added.

“When does this all take place?” Dazra asked after sitting there quietly at the end of the table as she always sat.

“We would start packing and moving immediately, as the Vesta is scheduled to depart first thing in the morning with her skeleton crew,” Adams replied as she knew it was still early morning so they are able to get things done before then.

“Understood,” Dazra replied.

“Does the rest of the crew know?” Odan asked.

“Yes, I sent them all a message with our orders.” Adams replied as she looked around the conference room at each one of her senior staff, “does anyone else have any other questions?” Adams asked looking at them as no one spoke up, “all alright, you are all dismissed.” Adams replied as the staff stood up and all walked out of the conference room noticing that everyone that was on the bridge was gone to pack, there was only a skeleton crew left on the bridge.

Adams was the last to leave the conference room, walking into her ready room she would quickly pack what little she had in there before heading to her quarters to pack. Once finished, she had the crate sent over to her new ready room aboard the Saratoga, taking one last look around her office she walked out and headed towards the turbolift.

Stopping just as she was about to enter, looking around the bridge for a few moments. She was going to miss the Vesta but knew she was onto better things with the Saratoga. Walking in taking a deep breath, “quarters.” Adams ordered the lift as the doors closed shut behind her and began to move towards its destination. After a few minutes, the lift reached its destination and came to a stop as the doors hissed open. Walking out she made her way down the corridor to her quarters to begin to pack, which would take a couple of hours as she had quite a lot to pack.

Hours had passed by as the crew finished packing and sending crates over to the Saratoga, Adams had just finished and was already on board the Saratoga. Her quarters were almost the size of a small apartment. “This is a luxury ship more like it,” she mumbled to herself wondering where to even begin to unpack. Things were going to take getting used to especially on a ship this size, walking over to the replicator as she was going to be in for a late night.

“Raktajino,” Adams said as the replicator came to life and the cup appeared. Taking the cup she began to walk over to the couch in the living room, she wanted to relax for a bit before she got to work again to unpack. Just as she sat down, taking a sip of her drink the door chime went off, ‘who could that be?’ she asked herself as she looked towards the door. “Enter,” she replied as the doors opened to reveal the visitor.

Chon’al entered as he took a look around, “these quarters are huge compared to those on the Vesta.” He commented as he walked over to her and joined her on the couch, kissing her. “What do you think?” He asked as she looked at him.

“Still trying to process it all, wasn’t expecting to be reassigned to a different ship let alone a ship like the Odyssey-class,” Adams admitted as she took another sip of her Raktajino.

“I have already unpacked my things which trust me isn’t very much, would you like some help?” Chon’al asked looking at her.

“That would be great as I think I would have been an all-night job if it was just me with a room this size,” she answered.

“Though I thought first, I can make us some dinner,” Chon’al said as he noticed her kitchen area which looked amazing.

“That actually would be nice, I really haven’t had much to eat today other than a few snacks here and there.” She replied as she sat there drinking her coffee, “while you do that I am going to explore the rest of my quarters more” she added.

Getting up from the couch he headed over to the kitchen and began to replicate the ingredients he needed, “I think I am going to like this ship.” Chon’al said with a hearty chuckle as Makayla got up from the couch.

“Indeed,” she replied as she went off to explore.

As Chon’al was cooking she explored her quarters after a while she worked her way back to the kitchen, she could smell the delicious food he was cooking. “Smells delicious,” she said as he was just about finished.

“Thanks, it’s a new recipe I found called chicken cacciatore or something like that.” He replied that he was always trying new foods and recipes he would come across.

“That sounds delicious as it smells,” Makayla replied with a grin. “These quarters are like a small apartment, I got my own office on the lower level and my bedroom, bathroom, and a spare bedroom all on the second level. Full kitchen and dining area and a large living area,” Adams said as he looked over at her.

“I know, mine is not as big as yours but is sure bigger than my quarters were on the Vesta for sure,” Chon’al replied as he finished cooking and started dishing up the plates. Once he was done he brought them over to the dining table and set them down, walking over to the replicator he looked at her. “What would you like to drink?” He asked as she looked at him for a moment.

“I think a good wine would be in order for a meal like this,” Adams replied as he agreed.

He replicated a good bottle of Chateau Picard and two wine glasses, picking them up he walked back over to the table setting the glasses down. He opened the bottle and poured both of them a glass. Setting the bottle in the middle of the table, he sat down and held up his glass. “Here is to the Saratoga and the many adventures we might have,” he toasted raising his glass.

She raised her glass as well, “cheers.” Adams replied as she took a sip, as the taste of the wine was better than any other wine she had before. Taking a bite of the food she closed her eyes for a moment to savor the taste. “You have outdone yourself yet, this is so delicious.” Makayla said as she finished chewing her food and swallowed, “you really have a talent for cooking.” She added with a smile.

“Thanks,” Chon’al replied as they both ate their dinner and chatted about different things from their day to how their vacation was which was relaxing and much needed after the last few missions and the stress it took on the crew. After they finished eating, Makayla cleaned up the dishes before they went to tackle unpacking.

“I have the crates marked for where they go, I’ll start with my office if you want to tackle the living kitchen area,” Makayla said looking at him as he nodded his reply, they went off in their directions grabbing the crate for the office she walked in. Looking around, there were large bookshelves along the wall near a small window with a window seat which was going to be nice for all the books she has collected over the years and still reads from time to time. Her desk was in the middle of the room though towards the farther wall, with chairs sitting in front of the desk, near the other wall adjacent to her desk was a couch with a coffee table as well as a side table with a lamp that was sitting on it.

She began to unpack the crate, placing each book in chronological order on the bookshelf with a few knickknacks here and there to make things look nice. Once she finished with her bookshelves she began to place other items where she wanted them including some pictures on the walls, mostly calm and relaxing pictures that made this an area where she could not only do work but relax and read her books in peace and quiet.

Once she finished with her office she had the crate transported to the cargo bay where it can be used again, walking back out of her office into the living area. “Finished already?” Adams asked Chon’al who nodded as she looked at it. “Just as I would have done it,” Makayla replied with a grin.

“I tried to do it as you had it on the Vesta, but on a bigger scale.” he replied as he looked at her, “I say we go tackle the rooms upstairs than we should be done after that,” Chon’al suggested as she nodded, grabbing the remaining crates and having them brought upstairs she began on her bedroom while he did the spare bedroom. After about an hour they finished unpacking and walked out of the rooms to the top of the balcony to look over everything.

Looking at the time as it was already getting late, she figured she unpack her ready room tomorrow morning as she was getting tired. “Time sure does fly by,” Makayla commented.

“It does,” he replied as he walked up to her and kissed her. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” Chon’al replied with a smile.

Returning the kiss she smiled, “see you in the morning.” Adams replied back as he walked down the stairs and headed out of her quarters and to his, she just stood there for a few more minutes looking at everything.

She decided that she would take a nice long hot bath, and a book before heading to bed, walking into the bathroom she ran the bathwater, getting it to a temperature that she liked, not too hot but where she could stand it to ease the aches she was feeling in her lower back. “Computer play soft music, volume low.” She said as the computer beeped and the music began to play, getting in the bath she took the book she was reading though this one was on a padd and not the normal paperback she loved. She began to soak in the tub while reading and listening to soft music.

After she finished her bath, she got dressed and walked down the stairs to get a cup of tea that helped her sleep at night, once she got her cup she sat on the chair that was near the window, she looked out as she could see the Vesta still docked which was scheduled to depart in the morning. Taking a sip she just looked at her old ship for a while longer, after finishing her tea she headed off towards her room. Walking in she got on her bed and got comfortable, she picked up her book again and began to read for a little while longer before she would fall asleep. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day, and she wanted to see the Vesta off one last time.

“Computer lights off,” Makayla ordered as the lights turned off except for a small night light as she didn’t like things totally pitch black, she had to have a little light. A short time later after placing her padd on the table she drifted off to sleep in her new home.

Jheria having already unpacked after arriving on board a few hours earlier made her way into the ship’s main engineering in the secondary hull. The Odyssey-class ship had two main engineerings one in the secondary hull as well as the saucer section. Engineers were moving from one place to another, double-checking everything to make sure the ship was ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

“Computer run a level four diagnostic on all ships systems,” Jheria ordered as the computer beeped.

“A level four diagnostic will take one hour to complete, do you want to proceed?” the computer asked.

“Yes,” Jheria replied, as the computer began the diagnostic on the ship’s systems. Once that was started she made her way out of engineering and headed a little way down the hall to where her office was located. Walking in she saw a Bajoran male with the rank of Lieutenant Commander sitting at what was supposed to be her desk.

“What are you doing in my office?” Jheria said with her arms crossed as she saw the other man at the desk who wasn’t paying attention just about jump out of the chair as he was startled.

“Excuse me, your office?” Piyu replied looking at the Andorian which was his superior though he didn’t know it. “Last time I checked I was the new Chief Engineer, so it’s my office,” He replied as he sat there.

She couldn’t help but chuckle at his stupidity at what he just said, which caused him to raise an eyebrow, “What is so funny?” Piyu asked as he didn’t seem to get the joke, or knew that she even told a joke.

“There seems to be some mix-up, I am Commander Jheria Dilucca the senior chief engineer onboard the Saratoga, your office is actually in the main engineering in the saucer section,” Jheria replied as he still sat there not budging.

“Interesting, I was never told about that” he replied as he looked at her with suspicion.

“I would suggest that you look at your orders again?” Jheria suggested as she rather not involve the Captain in something this trivial.

He looked at her for a few moments before nodded pulling up his orders on the computer and read it again apparently, he had read it so quickly he missed that part where there were two chief engineers, one being a senior chief. Looking a bit embarrassed looked back at the Commander, “I guess your right, I do apologize I had read my orders quickly,” he replied as he stood up grabbing his things.

Jheria nodded, “it happens this is all new to me as well as I have never served on a ship where there was a senior chief or chief position and two main engineerings.” Jheria replied with a shrug as he nodded in agreement.

“Since we started on the wrong foot, let’s start this over,” Piyu said as he extended a hand towards the Commander after he walked around the desk. “I am Lieutenant Commander Piyu Jaiett,” he replied with a smile. 

Jheria took his hand in return, “welcome aboard Commander.” Jheria said with a smile as she walked to the replicator to grab something to drink, noticing that Piyu already had his drink she just went ahead and ordered a coffee with light cream and sugar. She couldn’t handle just plain black coffee, it had to have some favor to it.

“Please take a seat,” Jheria replied gesturing for one of the chairs that were in front of her desk as she took her seat behind. Just as she was about to speak up she heard the door chime go off, raising an eyebrow while looking at Piyu who just shrugged as he wasn’t expecting anyone.

“Enter,” Jheria finally replied looking at the door as it opened to reveal a Caitian woman in engineering yellow who walked in letting the doors close behind her.

Looking at the two officers sitting there, “I am sorry if I am disturbing you, sir.” C’Riia replied looking at them. “I can return at a different time,” she added.

Shaking her head, “no you’re not Lieutenant, how can I help you?” Jheria asked as she hadn’t had time to review any departmental reports, or even crew assignments yet.

“I am Lieutenant C’Riia your new assistant chief engineering officer reporting in sir,” C’Riia replied as she stood there at attention.

“Welcome Lieutenant, please have a seat,” Jheria said as she motioned to the chair next to Commander Piyu. “I am Commander Jheria Dilucca senior chief and this here is,” she began as she gestured to Piyu. “Lieutenant Commander Piyu Jaiett, chief engineer.” Jheria finished with introductions as she looked at the women.

C’Riia nodded as she looked a bit confused though she thought that it would soon be explained.

Jheria looked at both officers, “this is a very unusual situation where there is a senior chief and chief engineer.” Jheria began to speak as the two listened, “since there are two main engineerings onboard the Saratoga there is a need to have them. Commander Piyu here will be running the one in our saucer section while I am down here.” Jheria began to explain the need for them which began to make sense to C’Riia as well as Piyu.

“I will very much be in charge of the engineers on the ship as a whole,” she continued as she looked at Piyu handing him a padd, which contained information on how she ran her department and what was expected. “Even though you will be running the saucer section main engineering you will still report to me. I expect daily reports as well as that area’s duty roster weekly.” Jheria said looking at him waiting for him to respond.

Piyu looked at the padd and quickly read through the information that was contained on it, Piyu was the type that liked order. Though this was certainly different than what he was used to he understood the need. “Understood sir,” came his reply looking back at the Commander putting the padd down on his lap.

Jheria nodded then turned her attention to C’Riia, “things will be a bit different for you as well as you will not only be taking orders from one chief but two. You will be bouncing between both places making sure things are in order.” Jheria said looking at her who just seemed to nod as she understood.

“You will mainly be working with me down here but you will be on rotation, whenever we are in a situation where the saucer section has to be separated you will be with Commander Piyu.” She said as she looked at her, “do you have any questions?” Jheria asked.

C’Riia shook her head, “no sir” she replied as she sat there as she understood what was expected of her.

“Very well, I will let both of you get settled I have already started a level 4 shipwide diagnostic I should know the results soon. Make sure everything is up to par before we are due to depart Devron Fleet Yards, I rather not find any surprises after we leave.” Jheria replied looking at the two.

“Aye sir,” the two seemed to respond in unison.

“Dismissed,” Jheria replied as the two of the officers nodded standing up and heading out of the Commander’s office. After the two had left her office she sat back and looked at the ceiling for a few moments. Turning her head to the right, she saw a crate near the far end of her office which had a small window where she saw the view of the station.

Getting up from her chair she made her way over to where the crate was, opening it. She would spend this time unpacking her items while waiting on the diagnostic to finish. She had multiple books, she enjoyed reading earth’s old fiction, action books. Though lately, she hadn’t had the time to read, though she always tried to take some time to take some breaks and just read to clear her mind.

Just as she finished putting her last item where it belonged, the computer signified that the diagnostic had finished. Walking over to her computer she pulled up the report, everything was within normal parameters. “Wonderful,” she said to herself as she looked at her office one more time satisfied with how it looked she walked out of her office to grab something to eat than to do her rounds, she didn’t always believe what the computer had come back with as she would do her investigations.

Teila was sitting in her office going over the report she received from the extensive lab work she had taken from the Captain. Makayla had been experiencing pain in her head that scans were just not detecting. “Oh boy,” she replied to herself as she read the results, “why couldn’t the scans detect this?” she asked herself as she was scratching her head.

She walked back out to where Adams was laying, she would need to do another scan but decided to focus on one part of the brain. “Can you lay on your stomach?” she asked looking at her.

“Is everything ok?” Adams asked as she turned over onto her stomach.

“Labs came back with something that I just need to confirm, the initial scan didn’t detect anything so I am going to try something a little different,” Teila replied as she tapped a few buttons on the console and the scan began.

After a while, the scan was completed and she began to go over the data. Finally, she found it, it was much worse than she had expected it to be. She downloaded the information onto a padd. Taking a large sigh she looked at the Captain “alright, you can get up I need for you to come to my office with me. We need to talk privately,” Teila said looking at her which caused concern for Adams.

They both walked into the office and sat down, “computer lock doors.” Teila ordered as the doors to her office closed and locked so they were not disturbed.

“Is everything alright?” Adams asked looking back at her with concern that she had found something, Teila’s expression was that of some bad news.

“No,” she replied pausing for a moment to catch her thoughts before she continued. “I never like giving this kind of news, I was hoping the results were wrong. I even ran them more than once different ways but they were still coming back the same,” Teila replied as she always hated giving such news.

“What?” Adams asked hoping she had just gotten to the point.

“We found a tumor very close to your brainstem, it is cancerous,” Teila replied as Adams looked taken back what was just said.

“Is there anything that can be done?” Adams asked looking at the doctor.

“The brainstem is a very delicate area, one wrong move can either cause death or paralysis. I am unable to perform that type of surgery, I will be referring you back to Starfleet Medical as they have a doctor there that is qualified for this type of surgery.” Teila replied looking at her.

“Can you just treat cancer without the need for surgery?” Adams asked looking at her.

Teila shook her head, “unfortunately that won’t be enough. If we don’t remove the mass soon it will keep growing even with chemotherapy and will eventually cause death in a few months to a year at max at the rate that it is growing.” Teila replied looking at her with sadness in her eyes.

Adams sighed looking down for a few moments before looking back at the doctor, “understood.” Adams replied as she knew exactly what the doctor was going to say next.

“Unfortunately because of this I am going to have to report to Starfleet Command that you are unfit for duty and are being relieved as Captain of the Saratoga. You will be sent to Starfleet Medical to begin treatments that could take months.” Teila replied she hated to have to do that. “After treatment is complete and Starfleet Medical clears you for duty I am sure they will assign you to another command.” She added trying to sound positive out of a bad situation.

Adams nodded as she understood that this was beyond her control, that she was only doing her job as a medical officer. “I guess I should go and start packing,” Adams replied looking at her still couldn’t believe the news.

Teila looked at her, “I am sorry Captain this is the last thing I ever wanted to do. You have been a great Captain that I have ever had the privilege to work under.” Teila replied as she was trying to keep her composure. “You will want to arrange transport back to Earth, I’ll let Starfleet Medical know to be expecting you,” Teila added as she stood up unlocked the doors.

“Thank you Teila, it’s been great having you aboard. I hope the new Captain will be just as good.” Adams replied as she stood up and walked out of the doctor’s office towards the exit. Stopping just outside of the infirmary she took a deep breath and regained her composure, headed off to start packing. She knew she needed to tell Chon’al, but she didn’t want to do that right now.

After the Captain left her office Teila walked to the replicator to grab a cup of coffee with light cream and sugar. She would need this with the call she was about to make, she never liked relieving a Captain of duty it was her least favorite part of her job. She had only been on board the Vesta and then the Saratoga only for a short time but she grew close to Adams in that short of time.

Taking a drink of her coffee, setting it down on her desk a few moments later. “Here goes nothing,” she said to herself as she made the hardest call she had to make which took a few moments to explain to Starfleet Command that one of the best Captains was being relieved of Command.

After the call finished she sighed leaning back in her chair for a moment looking at the ceiling. She had one more call to make, looking back at her computer she gathered everything into one file so she would be able to send it. She made the call to Starfleet Medical to explain what was going on and to expect the Captain.

****

Makayla had arrived back to her quarters, she had a date with Chon’al for dinner later on tonight but canceled it. Walking over to the nearby window she looked out, things were starting to look grim and going downhill. She wasn’t sure how to take the news and handle it, she just knew that her current career was being placed on hold for the foreseeable future.

She had asked Teila to not tell the crew that she would in due time, though she would send everyone a letter once she was off the ship. She didn’t want this to be made into a huge deal, just wanting to leave quietly. She continued to look out the window for a while more lost in thought, “why me?” She asked herself unsure why things were happening.

After what seemed like an eternity just standing there, though time felt to drag in her mind. She had never returned the totes she had from her unpacking a couple of days ago, she began to get them out of the storage area in her room and began to pack her belongings again.

She knew that this would take a few hours, unlike the other day when she had help from Chon’al. She would be sending him a more personalized message, she felt it would be best if she moved on with everything going on she didn’t want to weigh him down. After about an hour of packing, she heard her computer sound, as if there was a message awaiting her.

Walking over to the computer she sat down and turned it on, it was a message from Starfleet Command. She already knew what it was about but she began to read it, she was to get on the first transport to Earth once I am ready. The ship happened to be the USS Vesta as it was scheduled to leave for Earth in a few hours. After she finished reading she shut down the computer and went to finish her packing.

When she finished she had all crates transported over to Vesta’s cargo bay, looking around to make sure she wasn’t missing anything. Taking a deep breath as she stood there for a few moments just thinking how fast her career came crashing down in a blink of an eye. She just hoped that it would only be temporary and she is back in no time.

Looking at the time, the Vesta was due to leave shortly she decided against walking to the docking port so she used the transporter to beam over to Devron then walk onboard the Vesta. She would write and send letters to the crew once she was on her way to Earth as it would be a while before they would reach Earth.

****

Azras was in her quarters having dinner with her family for the first time in a long time since she was given the position of commander of an entire task force. Earlier that day she tendered her resignation, she wanted to be back in the center chair instead of just pushing paper and dealing with other ships and Captains. Though she hadn’t heard anything on her reassignment as of yet.

“What made you resign?” Arzin asked as he took a bite of food looking at his wife.

“I missed being just a Captain,” Azras replied as she too took a bit of food. “I would rather be back out there in space than sitting here on a space station,” Azras added as Arzin nodded in agreement.

“So we have to pack up and leave again?” Yadri asked as he was just beginning to enjoy it on Devron Fleet Yards.

“Sooner or later though currently, I have not gotten any new orders,” Azras replied to her son looking at him. “Everything will work out my dear,” Azras added with a smile as he stuffed food in his mouth, she shook her head with a chuckle.

“I will be heading back to Starfleet Academy tomorrow morning as holiday break is over,” Linha replied looking at both her parents then at her brother who had a sad look on his face.

“Do you have to?” Yadri asked not wanting his sister to leave.

“Yes little brother, I have to.” Linha replied with a soft smile, “there will be other breaks that I’ll get to come home for. It’s not like I am going to be gone forever,” she replied rubbing Yadri’s head.

“Stop that,” he replied moving a bit over and they both started laughing.

Azrin shook his head as he then heard the computer chirp, “Azras dear I think your computer just went off.” He replied as Azras had just taken her last bit of food as she nodded excusing herself from the table to only head to her computer.

After a few moments, Azras returned and sat down just in time for dessert, “Who was it dear?” Arzin asked curiously as to who could have contacted them at this hour, though he knew that it wasn’t impossible.

“That was Starfleet Command, I have gotten my orders,” Azras replied as she took a bite of her piece of chocolate pie which was her favorite that Linha made herself. “I have been assigned to the USS Saratoga as its Captain,” Azras replied as Linha looked up from her pie.

“That is an Odyssey-class ship isn’t it mom?” She said remembers seeing it docked at the station as she always made a point to take daily walks no matter where she was, here on Devron it was around the habitat ring.

“Indeed it is my dear,” Azras replied not saying much more. “We are to report on board first thing in the morning. So that would mean we better start packing,” Azras added as she took another bite of the delicious pie.

“You have outdone yourself again Linha this is delicious,” Azras replied as she took yet another bite.

Chuckling, “thanks mom” she replied with a grin.

“I thought the Saratoga had a Captain?” Arzin asked looking a bit confused as he to finished his pie.

“Captain Adams had some important business she needed to take care of back on Earth, I can’t go into detail,” Azras replied looking at him with the look of do not ask anything else, to which he nodded.

“Yadri once you have done the dishes begin packing your belongings except for what you will use tonight as well as tomorrow morning,” Azras said looking at her son who gave her this but I don’t want to look. 

“It’s Linha’s turn,” Yadri wined.

“She did it yesterday for you now it’s your turn,” Azras said sternly which caused him to sigh even louder.

“Fine,” he said with a pout and began to clean up the table, then working on the dishes.

“What will we do with that boy,” Arzin replied with a chuckle.

“Right,” Azras laughed back as they got up from the table she had crates sent to her quarters before returning to the table after the call came in. “Where do you want to start first?” Azras asked looking at her husband as Linha was already off packing her things for her trip back to the Academy.

“Probably start in here and leave the rooms for the very last,” Arzin replied.

“Good idea,” Azras replied then looked back at the kitchen to make sure Yadri was doing the dishes which he was.

They began to pack which would take a couple of hours with the number of things they had, Yadri finished with the dishes and began to pack his room leaving only the things he was going to use tonight and early in the morning. 

Once he finished he came out dragging the crate out to be put with the others, it would be transferred over in the morning. “Is there anything else that needs to be packed I can help with?” Yadri asked looking at his mom and dad who looked up from what they were doing.

“The office still needs to be packed if you want to take care of that, just remember to wrap the fragile things before putting them in the crate that is marked as fragile,” Arzin replied looking at him.

“Alright,” he replied and headed off to his dad’s office to pack.

When they finally finished it was late, “alright Yadri it’s time for bed going to be an early day tomorrow.” Azras said as he popped his head out of his room.

“Do I have to? I am not tired.” He wined as he didn’t want to go to bed yet, he was way too excited to be living on the largest ship in Starfleet.

“Do not argue with your mother, get to bed young man,” Arzin said sternly just as Azras was about to speak up.

“Fine!” He said as he stomped back off to his room and got ready for bed.

“That boy,” Azras said as she shook his head.

“I know,” Arzin replied as they went to check on Linha which they found already fast asleep. They smiled as they too went and got ready for bed, Arzin took his shower as Azras would take hers early in the morning.

Once they were laying on the bed together, “you will have your own office and lab to do your work. So you don’t have to worry about other science officers being in your way.” Azras replied looking at her husband, it’s been a long day and tomorrow is going to be an even longer one.

Leaning over kissing her “thanks, my dear.” Arzin replied as they settled down to read for a while before falling asleep.

Arzin had woken up early as everyone else was still asleep, he wanted to make breakfast before they made their way over to the Saratoga as well as get their belongings over as well. They also still needed to see Linha off as she makes her way back to the Academy. 

After getting dressed he made his way out into the living area where the crates were located. After taking care of their crates, he walked into the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast. Since they had already packed everything he replicated what he needed for that morning’s meal.

It would have been easier to just replicate everything already cooked, Arzin enjoyed the art of actual cooking. Growing up on Trill, he always cooked everything which he learned from his grandmother and mother. After getting what he needed he began to prepare and cook the meal.

“Morning dad,” Linha said as she emerged from her bedroom.

Looking over his shoulder at his daughter, “good morning sweetie.” Arzin replied seeing her in her cadet uniform and smiled.

“I got a bit of good news this morning,” Linha said walking up to him.

“What is the good news?” Arzin asked looking at her for a brief moment before turning around to keep an eye on the food.

Just as Linha was about to speak Azras walked out looking even more tired than when she went to bed. Good thing Arzin had already a pot of coffee made and ready, “What good news Linha?” Azras asked as she caught that as she was walking out of the room, she walked to get her cup of coffee.

“I just got a letter from the Academy, I am going to be stationed on a ship for my sophomore year to get some in-person learning.” Linha replied looking at both of them with a smile, “I’ll still have some other classes on the ship that I’ll have to do as well.” She added taking a seat at the table.

“That is wonderful, do you know what ship you will be assigned to?” Azras asked after she took a sip of her coffee.

“The Saratoga,” Linha said with a huge grin.

Arzin looked at her, “wow that is wonderful.” He replied as she finished cooking and prepared the plates just as Yadri walked out.

“What’s wonderful dad?” Yadri asked rubbing his eyes trying to wake up before taking a seat at the table next to his older sister.

“Your sister is going to be on the Saratoga for her sophomore year doing some live training,” Azras replied as you could see the excitement on Yadri’s face.

“Yay!” He exclaimed as he hugged his sister.

Linha smiled at her brother while hugging him back, “oh mom.” Linha said before she paused for a moment, “do you think I can just stay with you guys instead of getting my quarters?” Linha asked looking at them as Arzin placed the plates in front of them.

“That will be alright,” Azras replied as she knew there was going to be plenty of room.

“Thanks,” Linha replied with a smile.

They continued to chat about different things while they ate, once finished Yadri cleaned up placing everything in the replicator to be recycled. After getting ready making sure everything was accounted for they all headed off towards where the Saratoga was docked. 

****

Tianna Anai and moved over to the Saratoga from the Vesta, deciding to open a new restaurant here called ‘The Hillside Country Bar & Grill’. Though things were going to be a bit different as it was going to be open twenty-four hours a day instead of only a few hours like her previous restaurant on the Vesta.

Most of the senior staff was there sitting at one large round table at the far corner so they can chat a bit more privately. “Can you believe it?”  Deza Airje replied as they all finished ordering their food. 

“Why couldn’t she have said goodbye in person instead of a message only after she already left?” Odan replied a bit annoyed and hurt, they have been through a lot over the past year.

Chon’al just sat there not saying much of anything, Teila looked at him as she had a feeling what was wrong but choose not to ask. Though that didn’t stop Dazra from speaking up.

“Why the long face Chon’al?” Dazra asked as that was probably the wrong question she could have asked.

Chon’al stood up angry, “mind your own business,” Chon’al replied getting up and storming off.

“Really Dazra, did you have to ask that…” Teila replied looking at her who gave her a confused look. “Are you that blind and not notice that the Captain and he were seeing each other? She probably broke up with him or something had happened between the two,” Teila replied before getting up herself and walking after him.

Dazra just stared at the doctor as she walked off after Chon’al then looked to the others, “what?” She asked as the others just shook their head as their food arrived.

“Wonder what the new Captain will be like?” Jheria said looking at the others who were sitting there eating their food.

“I am not sure, haven’t gotten much information yet,” Jeesa replied after swallowing the food she had in her mouth. 

“Let’s hope she or he is like our last Captain,” Damir commented though he’s been here the shortest time of them all. The others nodded in agreement as they continued to eat their food.

“We will just have to wait and see,” Deza commented before a voice came over the ship’s comm.

“All senior staff is to report to the staff observation lounge in thirty minutes,” came a voice they were unfamiliar with.

“Wonder if that was our new Captain,” Odan replied.

“What gave you that clue,” Deza said chuckling as she finished her food just as the others did as well.

He rolled his eyes as they got up from the table and headed to their departments to get some status reports ready before the meeting with hopefully the new Captain. Tianna’s staff came to clean up the table as they seemed to have been in a bit of a hurry to leave.